RED

V

Several days had passed since the unsettling encounter in the garden. Stephanie couldn't shake the confusion and unease that lingered within her. Determined to clear the air, she sought out Jared and addressed their tension.

With a slice of cake, Stephanie made her way to the school library. The familiar hush of the library welcomed her as she scanned the room for Jared. Finally, she spotted him sitting alone at a corner table, engrossed in a book.

Approaching him with nervousness and determination, Stephanie cleared her throat softly. "Jared," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Jared looked up, his eyes flickering with surprise at Stephanie's presence. "Hey!" he muttered.

Setting the slice of cake down in front of him, Stephanie sat opposite him. "I wanted to talk about what happened the other day," she began, her tone serious.

Jared nodded, his gaze steady but guarded.

"I know there's more to it than just a random bullying incident," Stephanie continued firmly. It was Marco."

Jared remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"Well, you know that Marco was my ex-boyfriend, right?" Stephanie said softly, locking eyes with him.

Stephanie's heart skipped a beat as Jared's gaze lingered on her, his silence stretching like an endless chasm. She had expected him to respond, even a nod. However, he remained as still as a statue, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her stutter.

"Remember the incident at the food court?"

Stephanie's breath caught in her throat as Jared spoke, calling out her name for the first time. She turned to him, her eyes wide with anticipation, waiting with bated breath for what he had to say.

"Stephanie," Jared began, his voice soft yet filled with an underlying intensity that caught her off guard. What did you want to tell me?"

Stephanie hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to convey her thoughts. "I... I just wanted to apologize," she confessed, her voice soft but resolute. "For Marco's behavior, well, Rick's bullying."

Jared closed his book with a decisive thud, his gaze meeting Stephanie's with determination. "Stephanie," he began, his voice firm yet gentle, "you shouldn't be the one asking for an apology."

"But-"

"If it's Marco, who did it, shouldn't Marco be saying sorry to me?"

"I know I just, it's my fault he's doing this to you. I hate him. Getting at you won't make a good impression on me."

"No real harm has done. Besides, Marco's at fault not you."

Stephanie's heart fluttered as she sat alone with Jared, her gaze lingering on his forgiving nature towards Marco's actions. In that intimate moment, her admiration for him deepened, and she couldn't help but feel a growing fondness for Jared

Jared stared at Stephanie, he found her cute when she's angry.

Stephanie glanced back at Jared, who was silently looking at her. She felt a little shy and awkward.

"Well, I. That's all. I just wanted to apologize for whatever Marco does. Besides I don't want a fight."

Jared smiled at Stephanie and gave her a reassuring smile.

As Jared stood up, a sense of finality hung in the air, but before he could take another step, Stephanie reached out and gently touched his arm, her voice soft yet determined."Wait, Jared," she said, her gaze meeting his with a newfound resolve. "We should meet on Saturday. It'll be my treat."

Jared's heart skipped a beat at Stephanie's unexpected invitation. He hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. On the one hand, the idea of spending time with Stephanie filled him with excitement, but on the other, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling of doubt that gnawed at him.

"I... I," he began, his voice hesitant.

Stephanie's smile faltered slightly at Jared's hesitation, but she met his gaze with unwavering determination. "It's fine," she said firmly. "It'll be fun, I promise."

Jared felt a flicker of uncertainty in the pit of his stomach, but as he looked into Stephanie's eyes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and reassurance. She was reaching out to him.

"Please, Jared? Just to apologize"

"Okay," he said finally.

"See you on Saturday then."

Stephanie stood and was about to leave when she remembered the slice of cake she bought. She faced Jared back, took the cake, and handed it to him.

"I don't know what you like, but I love cheesecake. This is for you," and handed the slice of cake to Jared.

With that, Stephanie left Jared in the library.